User talk:Santryl/sandbox3

Canadian triage and acuity scale (CTAS) The Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale is a pre-hospital acuity assessment scale that was developed in order to standardized patient care with assessment methods used in triage in hospital emergency departments. It is used to determine where the patient should be transported and allows paramedics to better identify the needs of their patients, assists emergency departments in understanding the acuity and the time lines needed for care of the incoming patient.

Level 1
Level 1 – Resuscitation – need to be seen immediately

They include any conditions that are threats to life or limb (or imminent risk of deterioration) requiring immediate aggressive interventions. Patients need to be seen by a physician immediately 98% of the time.

Examples of Level 1 are: Cardiac arrest/Respiratory arrest arrest, major trauma, shock states, unconscious patients, severe respiratory distress.

Level 2
Level 2 – Emergent – need to be seen within 15 minutes.

They include any conditions that are a potential threat to life limb or function, requiring rapid medical intervention or delegated acts. Patients need to be seen by a physician within 15 minutes 95% of the time. Examples Level 2 are: Altered mental states, head injury, severe trauma, neonates, MI (heart attack, overdose, and CVA (stroke).

Level 3
Level 3 - Urgent– need to be seen within 30 minutes

They include any conditions that could potentially progress to a serious problem requiring emergency intervention. May be associated with significant discomfort or affecting ability to function at work or activities of daily living. Patients need to be seen by a physician within 30 minutes 90% of the time. Examples of Level 3 are: Moderate trauma, asthma, GI bleed, vaginal bleeding and pregnancy, acute psychosis, and/or suicidal thoughts, and acute pain.

Level 4
Level 4 - Less Urgent (Semi urgent) – need to be seen within 60 minutes

They include any conditions that are related to patient age, distress, or potential for deterioration or complications would benefit from intervention or reassurance within 1-2 hours). Patients need to be seen by a physician within 60 minutes 85% of the time.

Examples of Level 4 are: Headache, corneal foreign body, and chronic back pain.

Level 5
Level 5 - Non Urgent– need to be seen within 120 minutes

They include any conditions that may be acute but non-urgent as well as conditions which may be part of a chronic problem with or without evidence of deterioration. The investigation or interventions for some of these illnesses or injuries could be delayed or even referred to other areas of the hospital or health care system. Patients need to be seen by a physician within 120 minutes 80 % of the time.

Examples of Level 5 are: Sore throat, URI upper respiratory infection, mild abdominal pain which is chronic or recurring, with normal vital signs, vomiting alone and diarrhea alone.